futeko.com FORUM

Product Support => HiMedia Q10 Pro, Q5 Pro => Topic started by: futeko.com on February 19, 2016, 12:19:39 PM

Title: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: futeko.com on February 19, 2016, 12:19:39 PM
Copied from the email we just sent to Q5/Q10 Pro mailing list subscribers.

For latest Q5/Q10 Pro info sign up to mailing list here: http://www.futeko.com/products/MP068.php

"
Q10 Pro samples have been in the hands of testers across the world for about 2 weeks. The good news is that the early firmware is excellent and close to everything works as expected.

HD-Audio, 4K60, 10bit colour, 192kHz audio, 3D-ISO, multi-channel LPCM are all working as expected. Auto-frame rate switching also works, and 23.976 playback is smooth.

Image quality surpasses expectations. The new HiSilicon ExpressEngine2 is an advance on the previous generation and image quality exceeds that of Q5/Q10 4K3D.

At launch there will be a wrapper solution for Kodi. This has the big advantage of enabling all chipset features for video launched from Kodi and allowing any version of Kodi to be used. There is work being done on integrating chipset features into Kodi, but this is unlikely to be available at launch.

More info is available on our updated Q10 Pro product page: http://www.futeko.com/products/MP068.php
Product launch is still scheduled for late March. Despite the firmware being advanced there is still work to be done on finalising hardware and getting full production up and running. We'll notify you via this list when we start taking pre-orders, it's likely to be ~ 3 weeks before launch.

We will continue to post updates on our site, forum, and via this list. The next update should contain photos of the final production product.
"
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: hdmkv on February 19, 2016, 02:05:17 PM
Nice summary.

Only comment I wanted to add is the bugs/issues uncovered so far should all be fixable. No real showstoppers :).
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: skank on February 19, 2016, 02:57:10 PM
Very cool!
Keeping an eye close
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: futeko.com on February 19, 2016, 03:18:21 PM
Nice summary.

Only comment I wanted to add is the bugs/issues uncovered so far should all be fixable. No real showstoppers :).

At this early stage it's looking great.

Still ~ 6 weeks until launch so I'm sure the small bugs you and others have identified will be ironed out.

Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: hdmkv on February 19, 2016, 03:36:15 PM
Yep :). This box has potential to beat even nVidia Shield for 4K performance :). It's that good... just need some minor-ish annoying issues fixed (which, like I noted, should be fixable).
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: Se7en on February 20, 2016, 04:23:01 PM
Looking forward to a Q5 pro really liked my Q5 4k3d
May I ask will there be any chance of a Q5 pro with black casing??
And I don't mean a Q10 pro  :) ;)
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: jaes on February 20, 2016, 08:04:44 PM
 +1 for black casing as well if possible
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: Nice Monkey on February 22, 2016, 11:36:08 AM
I hope SD-card support is a Full Size slot (for plug & play) and of the SDXC type? SDXC is far superior to SDHC not only for sizes above 32 GByte but above all regarding performance.

Good to know is whether a SAMBA Server function is included? The Dual Ethernet port is not mentioned anymore.

Persons who did the tests probably are able to fill these gaps.
Title: 10bit output at HDMI interface ?
Post by: afss on February 23, 2016, 03:40:56 PM
Hello, I have an Open Hour Chameleon (OHC) and would be looking to upgrade to the Q5 Pro if you could confirm it will be able to output 10bits at the HDMI interface (when using colorspace 4:4:4 or 4:2:2). Please, could you  confirm ?

The OHC can play 10bit files, but it downgrades to 8bits at the HDMI interface.
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: futeko.com on February 23, 2016, 03:50:46 PM
I hope SD-card support is a Full Size slot (for plug & play) and of the SDXC type? SDXC is far superior to SDHC not only for sizes above 32 GByte but above all regarding performance.

Good to know is whether a SAMBA Server function is included? The Dual Ethernet port is not mentioned anymore.

Persons who did the tests probably are able to fill these gaps.

SD Card is full sized.

Dual Ethernet is a feature of the chipset but Q10 Pro will only have one Ethernet port.

The other questions I'll have an answer tomorrow.
Title: Re: 10bit output at HDMI interface ?
Post by: futeko.com on February 23, 2016, 03:52:23 PM
Hello, I have an Open Hour Chameleon (OHC) and would be looking to upgrade to the Q5 Pro if you could confirm it will be able to output 10bits at the HDMI interface (when using colorspace 4:4:4 or 4:2:2). Please, could you  confirm ?

The OHC can play 10bit files, but it downgrades to 8bits at the HDMI interface.

I'm fairly sure it outputs 10bit at the HDMI interface, but I'll get a definitive answer tomorrow from Himedia.
Title: Re: 10bit output at HDMI interface ?
Post by: afss on February 23, 2016, 03:58:53 PM
Hello, I have an Open Hour Chameleon (OHC) and would be looking to upgrade to the Q5 Pro if you could confirm it will be able to output 10bits at the HDMI interface (when using colorspace 4:4:4 or 4:2:2). Please, could you  confirm ?

The OHC can play 10bit files, but it downgrades to 8bits at the HDMI interface.

I'm fairly sure it outputs 10bit at the HDMI interface, but I'll get a definitive answer tomorrow from Himedia.

Much appreciated !
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: futeko.com on February 24, 2016, 09:33:48 AM
I hope SD-card support is a Full Size slot (for plug & play) and of the SDXC type? SDXC is far superior to SDHC not only for sizes above 32 GByte but above all regarding performance.

Good to know is whether a SAMBA Server function is included? The Dual Ethernet port is not mentioned anymore.

Persons who did the tests probably are able to fill these gaps.

Samba server is included in firmware same as Q10 4K3D.

SDXC cards are not supported, just SDHC.
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: Nice Monkey on February 24, 2016, 09:44:21 AM

Samba server is included in firmware same as Q10 4K3D.

SDXC cards are not supported, just SDHC.

Thanks for asking! Good to hear Samba is included again.

I wonder why SDXC is a problem. Hisilicon Chipset limitation?  Lollpop has no problems with it for sure. It will get popular very fast now that most Smartphones support it and exFAT used on it by default will become the new universal File System exchange standard replacing the outdated FAT32. Lollipop supports exFAT by default too. It is not a limitation impose by Android.

Maybe Himedia/Hisilicon can dig into this a bit and reconsider support? For all aspects the Q10 Pro is really future proof but this looks like a missed element to me.
Both phones and cameras will be doing recordings on SDXC cards very quick, above all many cameras have full size easily swappable SDXC cards already.

I even foresee that specifically high-end SDXC cards with UHS-II specs will start to nibble on the SSD market fairly quick. Much easier to handle and almost identical regarding performance. It is amazing what these tiny things  (even micro)  can do. 
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: LLChris on February 25, 2016, 07:54:20 AM
Now that everyone's talking about how the Q10 Pro's image quality surpasses even highest expectations  I was wondering how the image quality is compared to non Android media devices. I have an outdated Popcorn Hour A-210 (no high bit audio decoding, stutters with high bit video) yet its Sigma VXP video engine post processor never ceases to amaze me. Its crisp and crystal clear image and truly authentic black more than once made guests question if I was bs'ing them and playing from original BD via high end AVR. So, compared to Sigma's VXP where does Hisilicon's ExpressXEngine range? If anyone had both and could help me out with some flowery comparisons.

Secondly it slightly worries me to not read anything about operating noise. The Q10's do have a small (thus loud?) fan after all.

Any information on these two things would be highly appreciated.

Best,
Chris
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: Nice Monkey on February 25, 2016, 08:03:45 AM
One answer and one question:
- Yes it has a FAN. Heat production will be low though. If you don't insert a HDD then it is very safe to disconnect it. It would be great if the box would control the FAN via an ON/OFF menu setting or even better have a temperature control option (or an APP to do this) .
- Are multiple HDD's via an USB-hub supported. If YES what is the maximum (4 would be great).
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: LLChris on February 25, 2016, 10:01:53 AM
I intend to arm it with the biggest available affordable HDD. Which at the moment is the Seagate Archive 8TB. I'm wondering if anyone using the Q10 4K3D with built-in HDD could pass some info on operating noise. Also I second your notion of a fan control (auto or app) to keep the Q10 as quiet as possible.
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: futeko.com on February 25, 2016, 02:20:40 PM
One answer and one question:
- Yes it has a FAN. Heat production will be low though. If you don't insert a HDD then it is very safe to disconnect it. It would be great if the box would control the FAN via an ON/OFF menu setting or even better have a temperature control option (or an APP to do this) .
- Are multiple HDD's via an USB-hub supported. If YES what is the maximum (4 would be great).

I will pass on the request to be able to disable or control fan in firmware.

Multiples HDDs via a hub are supported. I'm not sure what the limit is, but it will be more than 4. You'll need a powered hub (or powered HDDs) for multiple physical disks.
Title: Re: 10bit output at HDMI interface ?
Post by: afss on February 25, 2016, 04:01:36 PM
Hello, I have an Open Hour Chameleon (OHC) and would be looking to upgrade to the Q5 Pro if you could confirm it will be able to output 10bits at the HDMI interface (when using colorspace 4:4:4 or 4:2:2). Please, could you  confirm ?

The OHC can play 10bit files, but it downgrades to 8bits at the HDMI interface.

I'm fairly sure it outputs 10bit at the HDMI interface, but I'll get a definitive answer tomorrow from Himedia.

Hello, please do you have any updates on this question ?
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: looun on February 25, 2016, 05:16:57 PM
Now that everyone's talking about how the Q10 Pro's image quality surpasses even highest expectations  I was wondering how the image quality is compared to non Android media devices.

Only Hisilicon SoC have dedicated "video engine" for enhancement "video quality".

All other soc amlogic , rockchip ecc have video for decoding .
Only Amlogic have AVE( amlogic video engine ) for better interacted content = broadcasting TV.

so... with Express Engine always have better video quality?
no , some times much better ...some times better ... some times equal , depend from source ... from film's photography ....encoding  quality ...ecc



So, compared to Sigma's VXP where does Hisilicon's ExpressXEngine range? If anyone had both and could help me out with some flowery comparisons.         

Popcorn Hour have limted sigma SDK , they pay licence only for some function 4/10 .
Popcorn Hour lot of time said the problem is "sigma SDK", so some bugs never resolved.
Popcorn Hour have very bad forum/Administrator.

Himedia and hisilicon is both huawei company no problem with SDK.
Himedia , not always ,but lot of times imlementing "user" request.

Himedia Q10/Q5/Q3 have LIVE menu to change  enhancement "video quality"
http://postimg.org/image/e5di2bvz7/
http://postimg.org/image/vutbrgqeh/
http://postimg.org/image/fz21p8vbd/
http://postimg.org/image/a8gx2j4nb/
i never see before in any linux or Android box.


i have both  A400 and Q5 ... not story Q5 is much better.
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: LLChris on February 25, 2016, 05:52:10 PM

i have both  A400 and Q5 ... not story Q5 is much better.

Thank you looun, I'm happy to hear that!
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: Nice Monkey on February 25, 2016, 07:31:07 PM

I will pass on the request to be able to disable or control fan in firmware.

Multiples HDDs via a hub are supported. I'm not sure what the limit is, but it will be more than 4. You'll need a powered hub (or powered HDDs) for multiple physical disks.

Thanks once more.   :)
Title: Re: 10bit output at HDMI interface ?
Post by: futeko.com on February 29, 2016, 01:15:05 PM
Hello, I have an Open Hour Chameleon (OHC) and would be looking to upgrade to the Q5 Pro if you could confirm it will be able to output 10bits at the HDMI interface (when using colorspace 4:4:4 or 4:2:2). Please, could you  confirm ?

The OHC can play 10bit files, but it downgrades to 8bits at the HDMI interface.

HiMedia tell us that output is 10bit at the HDMI interface.
Title: Re: 10bit output at HDMI interface ?
Post by: afss on March 10, 2016, 01:45:09 PM
Hello, I have an Open Hour Chameleon (OHC) and would be looking to upgrade to the Q5 Pro if you could confirm it will be able to output 10bits at the HDMI interface (when using colorspace 4:4:4 or 4:2:2). Please, could you  confirm ?

The OHC can play 10bit files, but it downgrades to 8bits at the HDMI interface.

HiMedia tell us that output is 10bit at the HDMI interface.

Excellent to hear - this looks like the media player to get !
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: newbi14 on April 03, 2016, 08:48:17 PM
For shure the best you can bought in this moment. Iam waiting to get my Q10 pro, preordert and paid, in a few weeks.  :)

Hope the firmware development, continued fast and without new bugs, and implement all posible from the chipset.
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: alec66 on April 07, 2016, 03:32:25 PM
ordered q10 pro (first batch) and I would like to order a new HD to add:
-WD Blue 4tb    (WD WD40EZRZ)
found many reviews and seems working really quiet, I hope this will be compatible with the box.
Of course I'm open to suggestions

thanks
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: Nice Monkey on April 07, 2016, 06:14:12 PM
ordered q10 pro (first batch) and I would like to order a new HD to add:
-WD Blue 4tb    (WD WD40EZRZ)
found many reviews and seems working really quiet, I hope this will be compatible with the box.
Of course I'm open to suggestions

thanks
In the past it was Green now Blue and Pink boxes from WD are also excellent for Media Players.
Seagate works fine and is faster but they definitely make more noise mainly due to more vibrations.

Have about 20 HDD connected to my media players (Internal Docking and USB).
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: alec66 on April 07, 2016, 11:45:40 PM
ordered q10 pro (first batch) and I would like to order a new HD to add:
-WD Blue 4tb    (WD WD40EZRZ)
found many reviews and seems working really quiet, I hope this will be compatible with the box.
Of course I'm open to suggestions

thanks
In the past it was Green now Blue and Pink boxes from WD are also excellent for Media Players.
Seagate works fine and is faster but they definitely make more noise mainly due to more vibrations.

Have about 20 HDD connected to my media players (Internal Docking and USB). In use are 2, 3,4, 5 and 6 TB units for about 50 TB total (play BD 1:1 ISO''s).

thanks for prompt answer: so I can go ahead with this HD?
WD WD40EZRZ

Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: futeko.com on April 08, 2016, 10:24:30 AM
thanks for prompt answer: so I can go ahead with this HD?
WD WD40EZRZ

That's an excellent choice as HDD for Q10 Pro.
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: Nice Monkey on April 08, 2016, 10:27:14 AM
thanks for prompt answer: so I can go ahead with this HD?
WD WD40EZRZ

For a definite answer you need to wait till i get my Q10 pro (next week?). But i do expect it to work just fine.
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: alec66 on April 08, 2016, 11:37:17 AM
thanks for prompt answer: so I can go ahead with this HD?
WD WD40EZRZ

That's an excellent choice as HDD for Q10 Pro.

grazie!

thanks for prompt answer: so I can go ahead with this HD?
WD WD40EZRZ

For a definite answer you need to wait till i get my Q10 pro (next week?). But i do expect it to work just fine.

grazie!
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: Charles01 on April 08, 2016, 03:57:37 PM
I to would like the the Q 5 pro in black also have they sorted the lip sync problem  plus can it now do HDMI pass though  Ok as well plus the problems it was having with Kodi. I see there is a delay until May before realise date  is that because thay hope to solve the problems they where having
Title: Re: Pre-release Update #1
Post by: hdmkv on April 08, 2016, 05:26:19 PM
Lip sync error remains in pre-production sample at least... will test w/final production sample when I have it in a week or so I hope.

For now, a quick fix is to do a quick FF/REW or chapter skip to get a/v back in sync.